Hong Kong Museum of History

Past Exhibitions

Introduction

Striving and Transforming – The History of Hong Kong Industry

17/6 - 13/7/2020; 14/9 - 5/10/2020

Special Exhibition Gallery,
Hong Kong Museum of History

Jointly presented by
Leisure & Cultural Services Department
Federation of Hong Kong Industries

Jointly organised by
Hong Kong Museum of History
Federation of Hong Kong Industries

As early as the 19th century, foreign merchants developed large-scale industries in Hong Kong; there were also many family workshops producing everyday items by hand. Hong Kong industry germinated in the early 20th century with the emergence of light industries involving low-level skills. After the Second World War, Hong Kong was transformed from an entrepot to an export-oriented industrial economy – the city's export volume led the world. Hong Kong industry celebrated its heyday in the 1970s. "Made in Hong Kong" became an internationally recognised brand, resulting in a great improvement in people's living standards. In recent years, Hong Kong industries underwent another structural change. Although many factories were relocated to Mainland China, Hong Kong remained a base for decision making, product design and promotion. The city is also exploring new possibilities in the high-tech and creative industries.

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, this exhibition showcases some 1,200 sets of classic Hong Kong-made products. In addition to documenting the history of Hong Kong industry over the past century, the exhibition explores the direction for future development, shows how industrialists strived for success, and pays tribute to the working class for its contribution to Hong Kong's industrial development.

Educational Pamphlet of "Striving and Transforming – The History of Hong Kong Industry"

"Create Your Own Expo" Online Game

	Painted advertisement of Hong Kong Brewers and Distillers Ltd. 1930s Hong Kong Heritage Museum collection
	Ivory bridge sculpture, produced in Hong Kong 1950s to 1970s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Elephant-shaped coffee table of Kowloon Rattan Ware Co. 1960s Hong Kong Heritage Museum collection
	Flashlight crackers of Kwong Man Lung Firecracker Mfg. Co. 1920s to 1930s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Solar pressure lantern of Union Metal Works 1950s to 1970s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Electric torch, manufactured by a US brand in Hong Kong 1950s to 1970s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Chicks knitwear of Chun Au Knitting Factory 1990s Hong Kong Heritage Museum collection
	Five Stars antimony rice bucket of Wah Chong Metal Works 1960s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Camel thermal flask of Wei Yit Vacuum Flask Mfg. Ltd. 1950s to 1960s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Musical train of Plastic Manufacturing Corporation 1960s Courtesy of Ms Angela Gardner
	Red A faux crystal chandelier of Star Industrial Co. 1960s to 1970s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Mino transistor radio, manufactured in Hong Kong 1960s Hong Kong Museum of History collection
	Equity clock of Chiap Hua Clocks & Watches Ltd. 1950s Hong Kong Heritage Museum collection
	Diana-F camera of Great Wall Plastic Works 1960s Hong Kong Museum of History collection